Archives: Episodes

To sum it up, don’t confuse busyness with productivity. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being constantly occupied means you’re getting things done. In reality, true productivity is about efficiency, focus, and achieving meaningful results. So, next time you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of busyness, take a step back and ask yourself, “Am I being busy or productive?” Your answer might just change the way you approach your work and your life.

In this episode, I delve into the crucial distinction between being busy and being productive. I use a simple analogy of ditch-digging to illustrate the point: one person uses a shovel and pickaxe, working tirelessly but inefficiently, while another operates a backhoe, completing the task swiftly and productively.

I emphasize that being busy, such as constantly checking emails or attending numerous meetings, doesn’t equate to productivity. For instance, managing emails can interrupt workflow and reduce efficiency. Likewise, unproductive meetings consume time without yielding significant results.

Additionally, I caution against excessive list-making, which might feel productive but can hinder actual task completion. Multitasking, though tempting, often leads to subpar results in multiple areas.
I stress the importance of prioritizing focused, deep work and setting specific times for tasks like email management. True productivity arises from achieving meaningful results efficiently, not merely keeping busy. So, remember: are you being busy, or are you productive? The answer can transform your approach to work and life.

As we kick off this episode, I share a little experiment I conducted with event titles and how the audience chose “Marketing Secrets for the Savvy Spend” over the spicier “Inoculating Yourself Against Agency B.S” for my upcoming presentation with Up Next Charlie West.

My guest, Angelica Gilleran from Strong Rapport, brings a refreshing perspective. Her agency specializes in aiding female leaders, focusing on aesthetics and storytelling. They exclusively serve women-owned or women-led nonprofits, recognizing the unique leadership styles of women.

Community building emerges as a crucial theme in our conversation. Angelica highlights the connection between community involvement and establishing trust in marketing, emphasizing the “know, like, and trust” factor.

We touch on the need for increased representation of women in business, given their significant role in household purchases. Angelica’s mission revolves around amplifying women-owned companies’ voices through impactful marketing.

In this episode, Angelica reminds us of the power of community, the importance of niche specialization, and the value of authentic storytelling in marketing.

Today’s podcast features an insightful chat with Jordan Crist, owner of Building Appalachia, a real estate venture. Over seven years, Jordan has honed his expertise in house flipping and rental properties. He highlights the pivotal role of education, emphasizing adapting strategies to local markets. Jordan’s secret sauce? Building relationships and networks with lenders, banks, contractors, and the community. Passion and persistence are the cornerstones of his success. He candidly shares that failures are stepping stones, urging young entrepreneurs to keep pushing forward. Jordan’s journey serves as an inspiring roadmap for anyone navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

In today’s Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talked about the when your target markets become too small. While tailoring your message to a specific group is essential for effective marketing, getting too fixated on a handful of individuals can hinder success. Marketing is about reaching an audience, not targeting individuals. Sales, on the other hand, can personalize approaches, but overly fixating on one or two decision-makers is counterproductive. To succeed, broaden your perspective. Have a diverse pipeline of prospects with common traits, allowing you to address collective needs.

In today’s episode, I had a conversation with Will Miller, Deputy Director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC is a vital resource for businesses with 500 or fewer employees, providing guidance on everything from business plans to financing. Will emphasized their coaching approach, offering tailored advice and support based on a business’s unique situation. The SBDC’s expertise extends to strategic planning, legalities, and insurance needs. Their mission is clear: to empower businesses to succeed. It was a real eye-opener to learn about their free services and comprehensive assistance. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, the SBDC is a valuable partner on your entrepreneurial journey, and I encourage everyone to explore the resources they offer.

In this episode, I had a conversation with Jamon Schmidt, the content manager for Goodwill Industries Of Kanawha Valley. Jamon shed light on Goodwill’s diverse mission beyond thrift stores – they’re focused on empowering individuals through education, career shifts, and job opportunities. The revenue from their thrift stores drives their impactful initiatives. As the content manager, Jamon plays a key role in conveying Goodwill’s message through graphics and videos. We discussed their upcoming Monte Carlo event, which serves as a fundraiser to support their mission. Jamon emphasized the need to spread awareness about Goodwill’s services, which extend beyond their thrift offerings. This episode highlighted the power of purpose-driven organizations like Goodwill in fostering positive change in communities.